James D. Spedowske, age 84, passed into the loving arms of his Lord at home on Sunday, November 2, 2014 surrounded by his family. Jim was born on October 21, 1930 in Stanwood to Joseph and Catherine (O'Niel) Spedowske. After graduating from Morley-Stanwood High School in 1949 he worked as a meat cutter for 40 years. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, riding his John Deere tractor, going to auctions with his friend John Voelker, working in his shop and most of all spending time with his family. Jim is survived by his beloved wife Eleanor of Big Rapids; children, James (Shelley) Spedowske Jr., Richard (Ginny) Spedowske, Daniel (Gretchen) Spedowske; Grandchildren, Shannon (John) McDonald, Justin (Lynette Renee), Miranda (Levi) Walsh, Lacey (Justin) Murray, Dana Petz, Corey (Erin) Spedowske; Great-grandchildren, Emma, Lilly and Abby McDonald, Mikayla and Kylie Murray, Rowen and Breslyn Walsh; siblings, Robert (June) Spedowski, Ernest (Hilda), Dorothy Miller, Doreen (Dewayne) Yarrington, Edward (Dorothy), Barbara (Herbert) Cornell, Henry (Vicky), Richard (Lois), Tom (Janet), Beverly Strait, Bonnie (Bill) Burden, John (Jayne), Louise Spedowski; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and close friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and infant sisters Beatrice Marie and Vera. A special thank you to Hospice and to Grace Kitelinger, for their dedication spent with family. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at the Big Rapids First Baptist Church with Pastor Bruce Peterson officiating. The family will greet friends at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Stanwood. Arrangements and care have been entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory online at daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com